Course Overview





HNRS 389 and BIOL 399A
Global Change Biology


MWF, 12:10 - 1pm, In-person
SN 332


Professor: Dr. Campany
Byrd 215
Office Hours: see syllabus

Dr. C’s connection to Global Change Biology


Today’s Objective


Understand course goals
    Begin getting to know each other
       See if this class is a good fit for you
           Begin our story

Course Goals



  • Open to the story of biodiversity on our planet.
    • Contrast past and present patterns, evaluate how life responds to global change stressors, envision the path forward


  • Be a scientist ‘science-ing’ or a informed citizen ‘activist-ing’
    • Explore your interests, interpret other people’s studies, design your own studies, communicate your knowledge and wisdom


  • Explore your place in the story.
    • Open to different worldviews, relate course content to your own life, envision your path forward

What is this course about?



The natural world around us is changing at unprecedented rates


Humans have a major role in the past, present and future of this change


Organisms must face consequences of this change


Systems are also under pressure


Divisiveness surrounds this topic

What is this course about?





Unit I: Setting the stage

Approaches in GCB (CH1)
Brief history of life on earth (CH2)
Rise of the Humans (CH3)
The Anthropocene (CH4)

What is this course about?





Unit II: Core Responses

Move (CH5)
Adjust (CH6)
Adapt (CH7)
Die (CH8)


Unit III: Complex Responses

Communities (CH9)
Ecosystems (CH10)

What is this course about?





Unit IV: New Horizons

Conservation in the era of global change (CH11)

Aligning the interests of biodiversity and humans society (CH12)

This class is way more than just CO2 and warming!!


Course Format



  • This is a synchronous and participatory partially flipped in-person class


  • What does that actually mean?
    • Reading matters and is expected
    • Your presence is honored and valued
    • Your verbal participation is required
    • All opinions matter


  • Each week will work on a spectrum of learning from Monday → Friday
    • Lecture → Open-ended discussions

Grading: Lots of assessment opportunites




Participation: in lecture + snap assignments submitted for participation points


Courses chapter reflections: 3-2-1 reading assignments due Mondays by noon


Exams: approx. one per unit (4 chapters each)


Term Project: with lots of intermediate benchmarks

Term project (Details next week)



  • GCB discovery grant proposal (5 pages) meant to inspire your own independent, creative direction.


  • Submission windows:
    • Project topic selection: week of February 2
    • Term project first drafts: week of March 22
    • Term project peer reviews: week of March 28
    • Final term project: week of April 12


  • Start thinking about what sparks your interest!


  • Writing resources are available on Brightspace
    • Ask me for help!

Textbook and reading load





  • eBook should already be purchased through Follet
    • check email for Brytewave access codes


  • One chapter per week for lecture
    • starts week 3
    • read and reflect due before Monday’s lecture


  • Possible additional readings for open-discussions
    • these may be self-directed

3-2-1 reading assignments



  • Dive deep on everything you read in this class!
    • Track what excites you, bores you, and confuses you!


  • Beginning of chapter features - Pre-assess what you think you know
    • Learning Outcomes
    • Core chapter content


  • Middle chapter features - Wednesday topics
    • Meet the Data & Take a Closer Look


  • End of chapter features - Organize your studying
    • Key Concepts and Consolidate your Knowledge
    • Test questions will be drawn from these, as well as lecture content

3-2-1 reading assignments





  • 3-2-1 reading assignments submitted before class on Brightspace (essence of a flipped class)
    • 3 take home messages from the chapter (in your own words)
    • 2 things you did not understand or would like more information on
    • 1 way something in the chapter relates to your personal experience.


  • If you are not interesting in reading - QUIT NOW

Brightspace will be your go to for all course info



  • Announcements = updates, changes, important things in the news


  • Syllabus = refer to the syllabus, them email Dr. C


  • Grades = gradebook will be updated as fast as possible
    • always double check


  • Assignments = always submit through Brightspace


  • Reminders = turn notifications on
    • due dates, content created, announcements, etc.

Next up: Why are we here?



  • Make a decision if this class is right for you
    • Are you willing to play along?


  • No book chapter reading this week!


  • For class on Wednesday: Write a few sentences about the concept “Why are we here”
    • think like a scientist, concerned citizen or just a human!
    • you may be asked to read it aloud!
    • Haiku will be greatly appreciated


  • Submit on Brightspace for participation